Undergraduate Studies in Netherlands 2026: Admission Guide
- Nimisha Padliya
- Aug 26, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 10
For Indian students, the 2026 academic landscape marks a significant shift away from traditional, high-cost destinations like the US and UK. The Netherlands has emerged as a premier alternative, offering an unparalleled "value-for-money" proposition without compromising on global prestige. With over 2,100 English-taught programs, Dutch universities consistently rank within the global top 100, providing world-class education at a fraction of the cost found in English-speaking nations. While tuition in the US can easily exceed $50,000 per year, undergraduate programs in the Netherlands for non-EU students typically range between €10,000 and €17,000, making a high-tier European degree far more accessible for ambitious Indian families.
Beyond the financial advantages, the Dutch "Orientation Year" (Zoekjaar) permit offers a strategic bridge to a global career. Graduates in 2026 will have up to three years post-graduation to apply for this one-year residence permit, which grants them unrestricted access to the Dutch labor market. This is particularly lucrative for students in STEM, sustainability, and logistics—sectors where the Netherlands is a world leader. Furthermore, the interactive, student-centered teaching style focuses on "learning by doing," a stark contrast to the rote-learning models often found in domestic systems. By choosing the Netherlands in 2026, Indian students gain more than just a diploma; they secure a foothold in the heart of Europe, benefiting from a safe, inclusive environment and a direct pathway to a professional future in a thriving, innovation-driven economy.
To successfully navigate this journey, let's deep dive into the specific academic structures and application requirements of the Dutch system.
The Netherlands has a rich cultural tradition, great higher education and an open minded and pioneering people. The quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognised. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centered.
The top 10 Universities in Netherlands according to the 2023 QS World Rankings:
Utrecht University
Wageningen University & Research
Leiden University,
University of Groningen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Twente
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
In Netherlands, the institutes of higher education are divided into two categories:
Universities: At research universities you can enroll in bachelor’s programs in a range of disciplines, such as economics, behavioral and social sciences, language and culture, engineering/technology, natural sciences, law or medical sciences. Programs at the universities are of 3 years duration. The purpose of research-oriented bachelor’s programs is to prepare you for further study as well as employment and to teach you the academic and scientific skills associated with a traditional, academic university program. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can continue studying for a master’s degree, or you can start working in your field of study. For Example: Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology.
Universities of Applied Sciences: Universities of Applied Sciences offer programs that focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge acquired during lectures. The focus of the programs is on providing you with the necessary skills and competencies for a job in a specific field. This means that you will get practical, hands-on experience through internships, in addition to classroom instruction, working on projects and group assignments. The programs here are for 4 years. At Universities of Applied Sciences you can enroll in bachelor’s programmes in a broad range of disciplines, such as economics, health care, fine arts, agriculture and so on. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree you can enroll in a master’s programme or you can start working in your field of study. For example: Bachelor in Automotive Engineering from HAN University of Applied Sciences.
What undergraduate courses are available in the Netherlands?
International students can have their pick from the 475 bachelor’s degree programs offered in English. These programs range from STEM programs to Fine Arts and Humanities degree programs.
In general international students do not need to learn the local language (Dutch) to study in the Netherlands.
What are the costs?
International students from Non EU/ EEA countries are required to pay the tuition fees. Tuition for Non-EU students typically ranges from €9,000 to €16,000 per year, depending on the institution and subject. Students from EU/ EEA pay the tuition fees at a subsidized rate.
What are the application deadlines?
The Netherlands has two intakes: the Winter intake and the Autumn intake. But most higher education programs start in September. Very limited programs in the Netherlands start in February.
Some programs have a selection procedure and an application deadline of 15 January. These are the numerus fixus programs. While all other study programs have a 1 May deadline.
What are the documentation requirements?
The documents required for admission to the undergraduate degree in the Netherlands:
a.) Certified copies of Transcript
b.) English Language Proficiency tests
Each degree and university have their own application requirements, so pay attention and carefully check the list of documents.
Do I need to take English Proficiency tests?
English language proficiency tests are a must for the international students who wish to study in the Netherlands. There are no exceptions to this rule.
CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL IBT | PTE |
C2 | 9.0 8.5 | >85 | |
C1 | 8.0 7.5 7.0 | 110-120 | 76–85 |
B2 | 6.5 6.0 5.5 | 87-109 | 59–75 |
B1 | 5.0 4.5 4.0 | 57-86 | 43–58 |
A2 | 3.5 3.0 | 40-56 | 30–42 |
A1 | 2.5 2.0 | 0-39 | 10-29 |
A0 | 1.0 | – |
For example: University of Groningen requires international students to have: IELTS 6.5 at CEFR B2-C1 level, TOEFL IBT- 90.
What are the Subject Requirements to study in the Netherlands?
Most courses and programs have specific subject based entry requirements in addition to the general requirements. These are often linked to the area of study. For example, to study bachelor’s in Marine Sciences from Wageningen University & Research, you should have studied mathematics, biology and chemistry in high school. To study bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology students need to have Mathematics and physics or chemistry in their high school.
Is there a common application portal?
Netherlands has a common portal Studielink for international students. You can apply for a maximum of 4 different programs in total for all the universities in the Netherlands. Out of which two can be numerus fixus universities. Students need to pay a 100 euro fee for each application.
What is Numerus Fixus in the Netherlands?
Numerus Fixus degrees differ from the other Bachelor’s programs because they have a fixed quota of students that will be accepted. This means that in order to be admitted to join one of the numerus fixus programs, you need to complete a selection procedure.
You need to start your application in Studielink, upload all your documents. The next steps depend on the faculty, but you can expect to write a motivation letter, provide proof of your English proficiency and participate in one of the selection procedures. Some selection procedures may require you to complete a web class, others a multiple choice test or answer analytical questions.
Is there a Selection Procedure for international students in the Netherlands?
Some universities may have their own selection procedure for their numerus fixus programs. For example: To get selected for Eindhoven University of Technology’s bachelor in Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences students have to:
a.) Cognitive test
b.) Completing the online skills and motivation questionnaire
c.) Mandatory participation in all the activities of Selection day
What are the job opportunities in the Netherlands?
International students need to apply for the orientation year permit. The fee for the orientation year application is €171. This permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months. With this permit, students have unlimited access to the Dutch job market. A work permit is not needed.
A Dutch diploma gives you endless possibilities to build up a successful future. The way of teaching, the education system and your experiences will provide a great climate for developing skills and knowledge you couldn’t get anywhere else. Companies in the Netherlands are known for their open, collaborative culture.
Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch and students can find jobs here after graduating from Dutch universities.
The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.
What are the opportunities of higher education in the Netherlands?
Graduating with a master’s degree enables you to gain advanced knowledge and engage in experience-based learning. The specialized knowledge and experience you will gain in a Master are assets in the job market that help you climb the career ladder. There are 1225 English based master’s degree programs available in the Netherlands.
Obtaining a PhD in the Netherlands is one of the highest levels of academic achievements that will offer you a solid basis for your future career, both inside and outside academia.
Pro -Tip 1: Shortage of Student Housing
In 2026, many Dutch universities explicitly advise international students not to travel unless they have secured housing by August. Start your room search on platforms like SSH or Kamernet the moment you apply in January.
Pro -Tip 2: The "Internationalization" Policy Shift
In late 2025/early 2026, the Dutch government began pushing for more Dutch-language requirements and capping English-taught sections. While 475+ programs are in English, 2026 has seen a slight reduction in English-taught tracks at some research universities. Always verify if your specific year of entry remains English-medium on Studielink.
The Dutch educational system is of high quality and Dutch universities are acknowledged worldwide for their well-designed modern courses and facilities, low tuition fees etc. makes the Netherlands a truly wonderful place to study.
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